Michigan Football: Predicting offensive starters after spring ball

WR/TE

Michigan is a team that’s generally going to play three or four wide receivers and potentially one tight end. Sometimes there could be a fullback or multiple tight end sets, but most of the time, as with a lot of teams, expect 3-4 wideouts on the field.

Who are those guys going to be?

WR: Ronnie Bell

Ronnie Bell is one of the most proven players returning on the Michigan football team. His ideal role seems to be in the slot but that will require others developing on the outside. Bell will be moved all around and will probably be the leading receiver again in 2021.

WR: Cornelius Johnson

Johnson had a few solid games a year ago including a five-catch performance against Rutgers that included two touchdowns. That’s when Cade McNamara took over for Joe Milton and Johnson seems to have a rapport with Cade. He also had two other games with more than 50 yards and he will be counted on as a deep threat.

WR: Andrel Anthony

As I said, I think Bell is best suited in the slot. Andrel Anthony can play there too and also on the outside. Anthony was one of the standouts this spring and here’s what Austin Fox of Rivals wrote about him:

"(Anthony) was a name that consistently popped up throughout the spring, and it culminated with an excellent spring game performance. The positive reports were backed up by several of his teammates, who singled him out as one of the youngsters who caught their eye.. Anthony brings enough size (6-2) and speed to the table to potentially see the field as a freshman."

Mike Sainristil will also be in the mix along with A.J. Henning but right now, those are my top three pass catchers next fall.

TE: Erick All

Erick All didn’t quite take the big leap forward in 2020 as Michigan football fans hoped. He struggled with the drops. He’s worked hard to become a pretty solid blocker and if he can just hang onto the football, he will be a dangerous weapon.